UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones has signed a sponsorship deal with sports fuel company Gatorade, becoming the first MMA fighter to represent the company in the Octagon.

Jones joins the likes of Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Usain Bolt and Serena Williams to ink an endorsement with the company.

His agent, Malki Kawa, announced the news on Thursday morning, saying that the Gatorade logo will be prominently displayed on Jones’ fight shorts.

“It’s great that a company like Gatorade sees the value that their products bring to MMA athletes,” Jones said. “They’re one of the biggest brands in sports worldwide, and I am honored to have their support moving forward.

“It does not get any better than Gatorade when it comes to fueling your body, during training and competition.”

The sponsorship deal is the latest move that shows mixed martial arts has become a serious player in the sporting world.

“This is a historic day for UFC competitors,” Kawa said. “Gatorade is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Jon has earned this relationship through hard work, determination, and pure dominance inside the Octagon.”

Jones, who became the youngest UFC champion at just 23 in 2011, will become the all-time UFC wins leader in the light heavyweight division if he is successful in his title defense against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 on Saturday night in Toronto.

This is true, but Jones will be the first fighter to rep Gatorade in the Octagon, as he will have the logo displayed on his shorts, etc. I don’t believe GSP had the logo on his apparel in the Octagon.

Werdoomb

“Jones joins the likes of Michael Jordan, Payton Manning, Usain Bolt and Serena Williams to ink an endorsement with the company.”

Yeah…except for 1/100th of the money they are paid.

John Bunch

And the irony is he has had more championship success than Peyton Manning…

Werdoomb

Man…something is not right about the MMA pay. Dana nuthuggers can nut hug all they want. But the truth of the matter is 150lbs Mayweather made $50mil+ in his fight but Cain and JDS, the baddest men on the planet, at best makes $1 to $2 million.

No MMA fighter could legitimately say that he is rich. Of course, the top guys are richer than average joes. But you are a freaking world champion in a sport that is supposedly bigger than boxing!!

Go look at the Forbes athlete earnings ranking. Where is JBJ? Where is GSP? Where is Cain?

earlsimmons

I am kind of suprised. I figured he would have got a deal from the likes of Hypnotic, Mad Dog, Malt Liquor, Henenesy… that sort of stuff considering he is a drunk.

Werdoomb

Dude, his endorsement fee is a peanut compared to what Gatorade is used to paying. JBJ was a good call by Gatorade: low fees but greater marketing power than the fee would call for.

Pablo Vasquez Jr.

Wow i hope your being sarcastic we all make mistakes when we are young i got a DUI when i was 24 and that does not make me an alcoholic i just learned from it.

John Bunch

And I’m sure it was coincidence that there are stereotypes attached to the 4 brands he mentioned…

Guest

I just heard he also inked 3 major deals with Crush grape soda, Popeyes, and some watermelon company…no joke!